The measurement of consistency and occasion specificity with latent class models: A new model and its application to the measurement of affect

After a shea overview of different latent variable models for analyzing interindividual differences in intraindividual change, a latent class variability model is introduced. The model makes it possible to estimate the consistency of interindividual differences across naturally occurring situations. In addition, the contribution of latent trait variables and occasion-specific latent variables in predicting manifest responses can be analyzed, and the precision of predicting states by traits and occasion-specific effects can be assessed. The model is illustrated by an application to the measurement of positive affects. Finally, the model and its application are discussed with respect to conditional trait concepts in personality psychology and other potential areas of application.